'Hej, hej!'- Experiences and consequences of victimization of Romanian Roma women in Malmö, Sweden

The following research project thematically analysed in-depth interviews of 5 socially vulnerable Romanian Roma women who support themselves only by means of begging in public spaces of Malmö, Sweden. This paper examined women’s experiences of victimization and their consequences, reasons behind the incidents as well as relationship with the police officers during their time spent in Sweden. The interviews put forward four common themes: frequent harassment during daytime, several grounds for victimisation, negative health consequences and deficient relation with police officers. Women described their experiences of sexual harassment, verbal and physical abuse, feelings of constant stress, paranoia and fear. Interviewed study participants claimed that they are victimized because they are Roma women and thus visible as a result of specific clothing and their activity of begging. Nearly all women reported lack of trust towards justice system. Discussion concludes with several policy suggestions